Reno, Nevada. July 3, 2013. Open Washoe County, an online program for citizen input and feedback, is asking residents for their opinion on services for seniors in the community.

The open forum is accessible through the Washoe County website at Open Washoe County and also by texting the word ‘subscribe’ to (775) 835-4540 for the free service. Individuals can make comments, suggestions and read what other community members are saying about a particular issue.

The current Open Washoe County question is: What resources do you feel are most important to support our more vulnerable seniors? What would the ideal set of senior services look and feel like to you and your family?

The Washoe County community is rapidly getting older. There are currently 76,000 people over 60, and by 2020 there will be 100,000 with an estimated population of 130,000 by 2030. The number of elderly citizens living alone, living at or near the poverty level and those who are home bound or frail is growing just as rapidly. Seniors home alone are often challenged to complete basic activities for daily living including: eating, bathing, taking prescriptions, cooking, paying bills, shopping for living essentials and dressing.

The Washoe County Department of Senior Services helps 5,500 people per year, which is less than eight percent of the total senior population in the community and the goal is to reach 20 percent. The critical services provided by the County help seniors with living essentials and include: in-home care, home delivered meals, in-home medication and support management, legal services, and day care for seniors with disabilities or dementia. Often these services are the only support available for these seniors and their families.

If you are interested in senior issues or participating in the update of the Washoe County Senior Services Master Plan, please sign up to receive the cMail service at www.washoecounty.us/cMail. Please select the category for seniors. You may also email the Senior Services team directly at sr_info@washoecounty.